About Hoffman Park Hoffman Park Birds This 354-acre park is comprised of hardwood Location: Hoffman Park is located in Union A host of different bird species can be found in Township, west of Clinton and just south of the forests and fields, but Hoffman Park is Hoffman forest, grasslands, and many ponds of various sizes. The ponds were created in the 1940s by Interstate 78. The main parking area is at 26 probably best known among bird watchers for Albert and Joyce Hoffman for erosion Baptist Church Road, Hampton 08827. The endangered and threatened species that nest in control, crop irrigation, and cattle gate is open from 9:00 AM to sunset. A second its grassland habitat. These include Bobolinks, Park management when the park was a working parking lot is located at 751 Mechlin Corner Eastern Meadowlarks, Grasshopper Sparrows, farm. Albert Hoffman was the son of the Road, Hampton 08827. and Savannah Sparrows. Please keep pets on a founder of the Hoffman Beverage Company. leash as these birds nest directly on the ground Trail Map and Guide Directions from the East/Clinton area: and are highly susceptible to disturbance. Albert’s skilled innovations led to improvements in the sanitization, labeling, Take Route 78 west to exit 11. Follow the Eastern Bluebird nesting boxes and Wood and packaging of bottles. He also invented circle around to the left and cross over Route Duck boxes were erected in 2000 as part of a biological filters that extracted impurities 78, following the signs for Pattenburg. Boy Scout Eagle project. The bluebird boxes from concentrated sugar syrups. In 1929, the Immediately after crossing 78, turn left at the are in the fields, where bluebirds can be company became the first in the country to light. Proceed to the remains of an old church spotted year-round. Wood Ducks are harder to incorporate natural fruit ingredients into its and veer right onto Baptist Church Road. find. They prefer wooded habitat near ponds or products. In 1945, the Pabst Brewing Proceed on Baptist Church Road under a streams. Company bought the bottling plant. After railroad bridge and shortly thereafter turn left Albert’s death, Joyce sold the farm to the into the park entrance, which is marked by a In the fall, this can be a good area for watching county and Union Township in 1999, large brown sign. hawk migration. Northern Harriers and maintaining life-rights until American Kestrels can sometimes be seen her death in 2006. The General Trail Information hunting over the fields in fall and winter. buildings are currently From the parking area, Hairpin Lane winds under the jurisdiction of Fishing Manny’s Pond in autumn Union Township with the down a steep hill towards Manny’s Pond. The land being managed by vista at the start of the trail offers a wonderful Several of the park’s many ponds offer good the County. Albert Hoffman, 1942 view of Hoffman Park’s fields and forests, as fishing for bass (catch and release only) and well as Spruce Run and the hills of the sunfish. Anglers can concentrate their efforts at Highlands in the distance. the pond along Crow’s Road or at Manny’s Recreational Opportunities Pond (the large pond visible from the parking Once down the hill from Hairpin Lane, Hoffman Park’s paved and gravel paths are area), both of which have an open bank Hoffman Park’s trails meander through woods suitable for fly-casting. Manny’s Pond is excellent for bike riding and walking. The and past ponds. Most of these trails are old ponds offer good fishing, as well as stocked with trout. Fishermen must display a gravel or paved roads that are flat and easy to trout stamp in order to keep the fish. Hunterdon County opportunity for reflective nature study. In hike, bike, cross-country ski, or push a stroller winter the paths provide a good place to cross Division of Parks & Recreation on. Most of the trails are named for features Hunting PO Box 2900, Flemington, NJ 08822-2900 -country ski. one would find on them. For example, 1020 State Route 31, Lebanon, NJ 08833 It is the policy of the County to provide reasonable Powerline Road has a power line running In order to control the deer population, hunting accommodations to persons with disabilities upon along it, and Birch Way has birches growing Telephone (908) 782-1158 is permitted in some sections of this park. Fax (908) 806-4057 advance notice of need. Persons requiring along the trail. Hunters must obtain a special permit issued by accommodations should make a request at least two weeks prior to program attendance. the Division. Visitors between September and E-mail: [email protected] The Hunterdon County Division of Parks & February are strongly encouraged to wear Website: www.co.hunterdon.nj.us With the exception of park properties with Recreation is dedicated to preserving open space blaze orange or confine visits to Sundays. (click on “Parks & Recreation”) reservable facilities, all properties are “carry in / and natural resources, providing safe parks and carry out” and trash/recycling receptacles are not facilities, and offering educational and recreational Office Hours: opportunities, all contributing to an enhanced provided. Please plan accordingly and do not (Revised 5/2021) Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM leave any trash/recyclables behind. quality of life for present and future generations. SUMMARY OF RULES AND REGULATIONS The rules and regulations governing use of facilities or properties administered by the Hunterdon County Division of Parks and Recreation are promulgated in accordance with provisions of the N.J. Statutes Title 40:32-7.12, which reads as follows: "The Board of Chosen Freeholders may by resolution make, alter, amend, and repeal rules and regulations for the supervision, regulation and control of all activities carried on, conducted, sponsored, arranged, or provided for in connection with a public golf course or other county recreational, playground, or public entertainment facility, and for the protection of property, and may prescribe and enforce fines and penalties for the violation of any such rule or regulation.” These rules and regulations have been promulgated for the protection of our patrons and for the facilities and natural resources administered by the Hunterdon County Division of Parks and Recreation. Permits: A fully executed Facility Use Permit, issued by the County of Hunterdon for any activity, shall authorize the activity only insofar as it may be performed in strict accordance with the terms and conditions thereof. The State of NJ, County of Hunterdon, or the local municipality may require additional permits. Prohibited Acts: The violation of any Municipal, State, or Federal law. Advertising, solicitation, ice skating, ice fishing, any other on-ice activities, downhill skiing, bathing, fuel-powered modeled aircraft, the release of any animal, explosives of any kind, poisons of any kind, after- hours use, alcohol without a permit in a non-designated area, controlled dangerous substances, weapons, posting of signage, inappropriate attire, and climbing on, or rappelling from any cliff, rock face, or boulder, with, or without the use of specialized equipment. Regulated Activity: The sale of merchandise, aviation, boating, cross- country skiing, bicycling, and sledding. Battery-powered modeled aircraft and horses must be in designated areas, dogs must be restrained with a leash not exceeding six feet, pet waste must be removed, camping/fires are by permit only. All groups of 15 or more must obtain a permit for use of any Park area. Prohibited Acts for the Protection of Property: No person shall make, excavate on, destroy, paint, fill in, cut, remove or tamper with any property, organic or inorganic. Prohibited Acts for the Protection of Natural Resources: No person shall disturb wildlife or vegetation in any manner. No person shall pollute waters, litter, dump debris, or release helium balloons in any property. It is illegal to remove any natural resource from, or introduce any plant material, bulbs, or seeds to any property without a proper permit or license. Prohibited Acts for the Protection of People: No person shall obstruct a county employee/official, interfere with a visitor, conduct any unsafe act, or cause a hazardous condition. Vehicles: All the provisions of the NJ State Motor Vehicle Act apply. Vehicles are not allowed in unauthorized areas. Parking is allowed in designated areas only. ATVs, dirt bikes, and snowmobiles are prohibited on County Park lands. Enforcement: The rules and regulations of the County shall be enforced by duly authorized Rangers or representatives of the County under the provision of N.J.S.A. 40:32-2. thru 40:32-7.13. Any person who enters into a County Park for any purpose whatsoever has a duty and is presumed to be aware of the provisions of these rules and regulations governing the use of the facilities and properties administered by the Hunterdon County Division of Parks & Recreation. Penalties: Any person violating any of the provisions of these regulations shall, upon conviction before a court or other adjudicative body of jurisdiction, be liable for the replacement, repair or restoration of damaged property, if any, and shall pay a penalty of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or other amount in the discretion of the court or other adjudicative body, or may be sentenced to imprisonment in the County jail for the term not exceeding ninety (90) days, or both, provided that this section shall not supersede any applicable penalty provision for specific offenses, which may be set forth in the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, N.J.S.A. 2C:1-1, et seq., or in any other applicable state or federal law.